Blue Cheese Lover'S Meatballs
Juicy meatballs infused with blue cheese, complemented by a tangy orange and peach glaze, ideal for cheese lovers and entertaining guests with bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 to 2 oz. blue cheese
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1/4 cup herb seasoned stuffing or seasoned dry bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1/4 cup half and half or milk ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional) ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch ⓘ
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice ⓘ
- 1 jar peach preserves (10 or 12 oz.) ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chutney, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated orange peel ⓘ
- 1 orange, peeled, segmented, and cut in half ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Crumble blue cheese into a mixing bowl. Add ground beef, herb seasoned stuffing, half and half (or milk), and salt, then mix well.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and arrange them in a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan.
- Bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes.
- Drain the meatballs well and set aside.
- In a saucepan, combine orange juice, peach preserves, chopped chutney, and grated orange peel.
- Simmer the sauce until slightly thickened.
- Serve meatballs with the warm orange-peach glaze, garnished with orange segments.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier meatball mixture, consider using a higher-fat ground beef. If blue cheese is too strong for your taste, try a milder cheese like feta or goat cheese for a different flavor profile. When shaping the meatballs, dampen your hands to prevent sticking. Ensure even cooking by spacing the meatballs appropriately in the baking pan.
Serving Suggestions
These meatballs are delicious served as an appetizer or main dish. Pair them with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. They also go well with crusty bread to soak up the orange-peach glaze. For a comforting option, serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty dinner reminiscent of classic American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish covered with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but be cautious not to dry them out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Blue Cheese Lover'S Meatballs contains roughly 774 calories, with 7g protein, 164g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (77% of the Daily Value), iron (35% of the Daily Value), and calcium (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2067mg per serving (90% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them before baking. They can also be frozen after cooking. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and follow the reheating instructions provided.
What can I use instead of peach preserves?
If you don't have peach preserves, apricot preserves or even a homemade fruit compote can work well as a substitute. Adjust the sweetness according to your taste, as different preserves may have varying levels of sweetness.
Are there any vegetarian options for this recipe?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative, such as lentils, mushrooms, or a store-bought meat substitute. Ensure the other ingredients, like blue cheese and chutney, are vegetarian-friendly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).